CLINICAL ASSISTANT III

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

LPNs encouraged to apply.  The Clinical Assistant-III performs all of the job duties of the Clinical Assistant II, in addition the Clinical Assistant-III applies a more extensive knowledge of medical practice and terminology and judgment based on greater clinical experience. The more technical duties of the Clinical Assistant III require a higher level of training, competency or specific certification. CA III must process provider orders pertaining to diagnostic tests, referrals and other patient data that involves non-routine problems, timely and accurately.

The Clinical Assistant III provides care to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults and elderly in an ambulatory care clinic.  This position is essential in maintaining efficient clinic operations and patient flow in order to maximize the provider’s time and to insure access to care.  Clinical Assistants perform administrative duties, data management and handle basic clinical tasks.  This information is recorded in patients’ chart along with patient’s medical history.  This position works closely with providers giving support such as rooming patients, performing Point of Care Testing (POCT), start and administer IV fluids and provide immunizations and other injections within the scope of practice certification, ECC monitoring and defibrillation, answering phones, processing provider orders data entry and participation in training processes.  Must be able to make independent decisions within scope of practice based on experience and good judgment and be self-starting and require little guidance to keep busy. 

Salary - $23.69-$26.06 DOE

• Accurately collect and document information in patient chart. Keeps patient records in order with all forms properly identified; copies and compiles other medical data as needed. Assures patient medication and immunization records are current. Recognizes signs or symptoms requiring prompt intervention and acts appropriately. Demonstrate ability to smoothly manage patient care duties while maintaining clinic flow. Report, and when appropriate, record any changes observed in condition or behavior of patients, unusual incidents or breeches in safety. Observe patients to insure children, elderly, or impaired patients who require observation or assistance have someone in attendance.  Set up equipment and supplies for routine exams and minor procedures.

• Assist Provider as directed and trained by Provider as well as within their licensed Scope of Practice. Documentation of initial and ongoing training will be on file and updated annually.  Assist Clinic Nurse as needed.  Provide immunizations, injections as ordered by Provider. Prepare patient for and assist with procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries. Provide specimen collection for Point of Care Testing (POCT).  Follows protocol for collecting, labeling and transporting of specimens.

• Practice of approved airway management techniques, Foley catheter insertion, DM foot exams. More complex duties may include starting and administering IVs as allowed within scope of practice, operating equipment such as Zoll monitor and IV pump, monitoring cardiac activity.  May perform advanced life support, if ACLS / PALS certified.

• Assist provider in identifying patients overdue for immunizations and preventative health maintenance including routine, urgent and emergent appointments with appropriate provider and clinic.

• Perform basic health coaching and patient education as directed by the provider and according to evidence-based guidelines using patient education materials.

*Independent performance of all clinical duties will be based on satisfactory completion of SEARHC competency assessments.

Position Complexities

CA III applies a more extensive knowledge of medical practice and terminology and judgment based on substantial experience in medical record work.  There is a risk of constant exposure to illness, injury, and disease. There are sometimes large volumes of patients within a short period of time. The Clinical Assistant must be able to multitask and prioritize duties, as the pace is often rapid with pressure to efficiently complete assignments and keep clinic flow moving well. The Clinical Assistant must be able to recognize signs and symptoms that may require immediate attention. The duties of the Clinical Assistant III require more critical judgment in complex and variable situations. Many aspects of this position require greater technical skills and a high level of skill proficiency such as administering IVs or providing advanced life support if ACLS certified. Requires attention to detail in order to accurately collect patient data, complete patient documentation, maintain logs, and comply with regulatory requirements. Required to work with staff of different backgrounds and educational levels and the CA must be able to communicate clearly and be understood. The person in this position must be able to provide compassionate care to individuals in various states of health. 

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent        

License/Certifications

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or
• EMT III Current Alaska Certification or
• Community Health Aide Practitioner or
• Current Alaska Paramedic Certification or
• Graduation with a nursing degree from an accredited institution can replace certification requirements above.
• Current Basic Life Safety certification

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Clinic procedures for receiving and following through on a patient visit and any related clinic treatments, procedures.
• Age appropriate vital signs and behaviors;
• Life-saving procedures
• Medical terminology and the ability to readily learn and use various computer programs preferred

Skills:

• Communication and use of customer service skills;
• Computer application skills sufficient to utilize medical database in an competent manner;
• Ability to operate medical equipment including blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, EKG machine, IV pump, cardiac monitor, manual defibrillator.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; strong organizational skills

Ability to:

• Train and use various EMR systems and accurately record patient data.
• Communicate and interact with all members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Recognize and respond appropriately in emergency situations.